Guardiola Overlooks Real Madrid Rivalry
In his latest public appearance, Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola sparked surprise by seemingly ignoring Real Madrid’s significance as a rival. Speaking at a UEFA Pro License evaluation conference for Spanish coaches, Guardiola labeled Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool as “the toughest opponent I’ve ever faced,” leaving many to wonder why Real Madrid didn’t get a mention.
While Real Madrid remains one of the top European clubs to beat, Guardiola’s comment raised eyebrows, especially given the intense rivalry between Manchester City and the Spanish giants. In recent years, their Champions League matchups, including semifinals and quarterfinals, have been closely contested, contributing to the emergence of a new European “Clásico” between City and Madrid.
Despite Guardiola’s focus on Liverpool, many fans and analysts argue that his most memorable victories—and painful defeats—came against Real Madrid. Notably, the Champions League knockout rounds during the 2021/22 and 2023/24 seasons saw Madrid eliminate Guardiola’s City, and there was also the historic 0-4 loss Guardiola suffered while managing Bayern Munich in 2014 against Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid, en route to their 10th European Cup victory.
Guardiola acknowledged his team’s achievements as “the greatest success we’ve ever had,” but many still view his battles with Real Madrid as pivotal moments in his career.
